Charles Nicholas Rizas

Springfield- Charles Nicholas Rizas, 71, devoted husband of 46 years to Antonia Tapases, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2017. He was born in Sparta, Greece a son of the late Nicholas and Kiriakoula (Menousos) Rizas and was a resident of the Springfield area for over 40 years. He retired from the Veteran’s Administration, Newington, Connecticut. He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke, East Longmeadow and was a U.S. Army Veteran during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Colorado. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, James N. Rizas. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Nicholas Rizas and his wife Mariah, of East Longmeadow, Steven Rizas of Springfield; a sister, Anthoula Speridakos and her husband Danny, of Weston, Connecticut; and his two beloved grandchildren, Charlie and Luke Rizas. Calling hours will take place 4 to 7 PM on Thursday (May 18th) in the Forastiere Smith Family Funeral Home, 220 North Main St., East Longmeadow. A Trisagion will be held during the calling hours at 5:30PM Mr. Rizas will lie in state from 9am until 10am on Friday (May 19th) in the Greek Orthodox Church of St Luke, East Longmeadow with a service to follow at 10AM. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay St. Springfield. In lieu of flowers memorial Contributions may be made to: St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church, 400 Prospect St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028; St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, St. George Road, Springfield, MA 01104; or to Special Olympics of Greater Springfield, 898 Prospect St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Please visit www.forastiere.com to offer a personal condolence.

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